Local Landlord Program
Up to $375,000 to help landlords rehab units for affordable housing
If you own a long-term rental damaged in the hurricanes, this program will support repair, reconstruction and/or replacement of damaged units provided you agree to rent them as affordable housing. Limited to owners of 5 units or less, including traditional stick-built homes, manufactured homes, modular homes and other types of single-family properties.
Ready to apply? Start an application.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Pinellas County property damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and/or Milton.
- Property may not be located in the City of St. Petersburg. To check your address, please use our address lookup tool.
- Landlord does not own more than 5 total units.
- Landlord is not in bankruptcy or foreclosure.
- Property does not have unpaid code compliance issues.
- Landlord is current on property taxes and mortgage (if applicable).
- Home must be unoccupied at time of application.
- Damaged property must not be located in a regulatory floodway.
Work You Can Do
- Rehabilitation of your unit to local code and building standards.
- Repairing or replacing hurricane damaged roofs, windows, septic tanks, etc.
- Demolishing and rebuilding your unit.
- Rebuilding and elevating substantially damaged homes in special flood hazard areas which are designated as a repetitive loss property.
- Replacement of manufactured/mobile homes.
Income Eligibility
There are no income requirements for applicants to the Local Landlord Program, but landlords must agree to rent units at an affordable rate for a set period of time per federal guidelines.
Application Phase Prioritization
Applicants to the Local Landlord Program will be processed on a first-come, first-processed basis.
Funding Award Guidelines and Terms
- Max Award = $375,000
- Duplication of Benefits will be checked for all properties (you cannot get financial assistance from other state or federal programs for the same work).
- Applicants living in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) who receive federal assistance under these programs must obtain and maintain flood insurance.
- Homeowners who receive assistance must agree to rent the property to an income qualifying low-to moderate income tenant for 5 years and to maintain insurance coverage.
- The landlord must agree to rent the home at High HOME rent rates to income-eligible tenants for the 5-year compliance period. The landlord must agree to a forgivable 5-year mortgage which automatically reduces at 20% per year.
Required Program Documents
Identity
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID for all adult household members, OR
- Evidence of permanent residency for non-U.S. Citizens/permanent resident alien status
- Birth certificates for all household members under the age of 18
Ownership
One (1) of the following (stick built/traditional home)*:
- Deed
- Mortgage statement
- Probated will
- Court order or judgement granting ownership
- Landowner Consent (if land is leased)
- Mobile/Manufactured Homes Only: Title
Manufactured home owners must demonstrate ownership of the unit and that they are authorized to replace it on the land or own the land.
Property Taxes
- Proof from the tax assessor of property taxes paid in full at the time of application; or
- Proof of a payment plan in good standing at the time of application
Mortgage Statement
If there is a mortgage on the property, proof that the mortgage is in good standing
- Most recent mortgage statement, at time of application, showing no arrearages
Ready to apply?
The People First Housing Recovery Program addresses hurricane-related damage, prevents long-term displacement, and increases the availability of safe, code-compliant, and affordable housing. Applicants are required to meet eligibility and income requirements listed for each program. Please see the income eligibility table above to determine if your household is within the income limits of the program prior to submitting an application.
Have Questions?
First, read the details about all five People First programs then review our Frequently Asked Questions.
Holiday Hours for in-person help centers and the call center
Modified Hours on Wednesday, November 26: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28
Modified Hours on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Closed for Christmas on Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26
Closed for New Years on Thursday and Friday, January 1 and 2
Meet with a case worker
Both full-time People First Help Centers are open:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see our holiday hours above.
Clearwater
2600 McCormick Dr.
Suite 100
Clearwater, FL 33759
St. Petersburg
5000 Park Street N
Suite 4
St. Petersburg FL 33709
Call our Help Center
727-606-3307
- Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see our holiday hours above.
At times, we have a high number of calls and you may experience a long wait time. When you call, you’ll have the option to leave your name and number and get a call back from a case worker within two business days.
Questions via Email
You can email us with general questions that aren’t addressed on the website and the FAQs. If you have application-specific questions, your best bet is to call us or visit our help centers. Once you have submitted an application, don’t use this email; a case worker will reach out to you by direct email to discuss your application. Note (10/24/25): We are experiencing a large volume of emails with the recent launch of the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs.
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or visit one of our help centers.